Owen Garriott - W5LFL
1st Ham in Space

Steve Yates - AA5TB

The Space Shuttle mission STS-9 was launched on November 28,
1983, carrying astronaut and ham Owen Garriott, W5LFL. The mission
lasted 10 days and for the last 7 of those days hams around the
world were able to hear and talk to Dr. Garriott on the 2m ham band.
This was the beginning of a new era for amateur radio, the first
time anyone in space had ever operated amateur radio. This was not
Owen's first ride into space. He was already a Space Lab Veteran.

I was lucky enough to participate in this event and I made
several recordings of his transmissions for history's sake. I have
placed two of my favorite recordings on this Web page for everyone
to listen to. I hope you enjoy them.